I love art. It feeds my soul. It makes me think. Art is a joy, and I share that with my preschool class- all the time. Young children soak up art; they are naturally drawn to the visual ‘show’, and they want to make art. The best part – they are not encumbered by ‘can I’ or ‘can’t I’, they eagerly jump in with both feet. We can all take a lesson from children.
Last weekend I visited the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
Dartmouth College is lovely, old mixed with new, in an old New England town.
What happened at the Hood Museum was monumental for me. Of course there’s a backstory – the Eric Carle Museum. One of my first visits to the museum I learned about Eric Carle’s life and how he came into art. He was born in Germany, moved to the United States as a child, and the family returned to Germany in the mid-1930’s. Terrible timing with the Nazis and WWII. Carle had an art teacher in high school who recognized his talent. His teacher also risked his life to show Carle modern art – ‘forbidden art‘ – the paintings of five artists:
Matisse, Picasso, Klee, Marc, and Kandinsky
These are the artists who transformed Carle’s art. These are also the artists who drive my annual Art Show every April for the community. Children love ‘The Three Musicians’ by Picasso, ‘Large Blue Horses’ by Marc, ‘The Snail’ by Matisse, and anything by Kandinsky. Did you know he saw and felt colors when he heard music? Isn’t that wonderful? Children understand, and I introduce classical music to inspire their art – like Kandinsky.
One of my favorite children’s books
Every time I visit an art museum, big or small, I ask if they have a Kandinsky. Nope, not even the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. When I walked into the Hood Museum last weekend, there was a Kandinsky. I was overcome. “Are you okay Jennie?” was all I heard.
Screenshot
I can’t wait to introduce this painting to children next month as we prepare for the Art Show. Telling them ‘I was there’ will be a big deal. I wonder if a child will want to recreate this painting. In the meantime, I am enjoying the memories of seeing a Kandinsky. I need a cup of coffee from my favorite mug.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I am sure the children are going to love the Kandinsky abstract, Jennie.
Do you know anything about the original Dartmouth, the one in England? It is a lovely coastal town in Devon, with beaches and a famous harbour. It is at the mouth of the River Dart, hence the name.
https://discoverdartmouth.com/
Best wishes, Pete.
I’m looking forward to showing children this Kandinsky! Pete, there are so many American cities and towns named after English cities and towns. Hey, I live in New England- case in point. I know little about the original Dartmouth, I’m headed over to read the link. Thank you!
I am so glad you finally found a painting of his to admire in person, Jennie. I’m sure it will inspire the children. Your teaching the children about art is a wonderful gift to them.
I hope you have a great weekend.
It was ‘a moment’. Thank you, Dan. I’m excited to show them this art piece (and more). I wish you could be a fly in the room when I introduce famous art. Often I show the piece but don’t say anything. Then I’ll say something like, “Wait! Corey, you can do this! See the blue swirls?” And I move to the next painting and a different child, and so on. It’s really wonderful.
You are amazing!
🥰
How special!! And I love your mug. The children will love hearing about your visit to the Art Gallery and seeing the painting. Another, “It happened this way” story.
Thanks so much, Darlene! I’m looking forward to sharing the art, and of course it will make a great “It happened…” story to tell the children. 😀
Cheers to your love for art … and our tastes may be similar. A blogger introduced me to Kandinsky years ago. In general, I love his geometrics and colors. Several years ago in Paris, I saw a selection of his work plus similar artists. Love it! Thanks for the reminder.
You saw his paintings and similar ones in Paris? I’m so jealous! If Eric Carle had not seen his art, the world would not have “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” – that’s powerful! I’m glad this brought back memories for you, Frank.
It was wonderful. Here’s a taste. https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en/collection/masterpieces
Wow! Thank you, Frank. On a side note, Matisse’s grandson lives here in Groton. I taught his children many years ago. His grandfather (Henri) was a grumpy man.
I love that you were finally able to see one in person, how lucky you are. your joy and passion about art and this experience, will absolutely spill over and impact the children –
Thank you, Beth. At least I didn’t cry, like when I saw original ‘Madeline’ illustrations. Yes, I will have quite a story to tell the children, with passion, joy, and maybe tears. It will be wonderful, and hopefully inspire them to create art.
I can understand crying when seeing something you’ve longed to see with such passion
Indeed! You would be the same way. 🙂
Same here
Awesome and inspiring post Jennie. So well you have described the artist and the museum. Thanks 🙏
Thank you, Kamal! 💕
Always welcome Jennie 😊
Glad you got to see the painting it will inspire your little pupils I think.
Thanks, FR. I think there will be some inspiration happening!
When I see Kandinsky, I get echoes of Hundertwasser and Gaudi and Mondrian. Such fabulous works that make me just smile…
I’m so glad, Geoff, and I feel the same way. I’m still thunderstruck when realizing the world would not have “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” if Eric Carle had not seen Kandinsky’s (and a few others) art. Big wow!
Jennie, I want to be in your class, and I’m fifty-six years old!
Awww…😀
I learned about kids and art, too, with my kindergartners. Art speaks a language never confused by squiggly black lines and rules. Kids always understand it. Kandinsky is a wonderful choice.
Yes! Isn’t it wonderful how much we learn from children? Art is a wonderful language. Kandinsky understood that. Thank you, Jacqui.
A museum, a Kandinsky, an art show and a teacher and coffee mug that brings them all together. So good1
Thanks so much, Wynne! I can’t wait to bring this to the children! Let’s hope it inspires their art.
How exciting to see a painting from an artist you love! I’m sure the children will enjoy learning about him, and probably one or two will try to paint in his style or recreate his work.
Your mug is neat!
It was so exciting, Deborah, quite a moment. I think children will love this art. I’m so glad you like my mug! 😀
I love that mug, Jennie. Supporting the arts as well as your coffee intake lol.☕ No doubt your Kandinsky excitement will be felt by your students as well.
It’s a favorite mug; I think I need to bring it to school when I introduce Kandinsky and art. You know I will make it exciting. Let’s hope children feel the same way. Thank you, Bruce!
Wonderful post and art, and my father’s alma mater.
Thank you, Cindy. It’s a wonderful school. You must be very proud of your father.
Kandinsky, hurray! The Hood Museum holds a special place in my heart. My mother’s wedding dress is in the collection. https://hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu/objects/987.50.26900 If memory serves, it was made for my great-great grandmother.
Oh my goodness! I did not see wedding dress (thank you for the link), I’m sure it is in safe keeping. How wonderful that her dress is part of their collection! Yes, hurray for Kandinsky. Hats off to the Hood for having one of his paintings, and shame on the National Gallery of Art for not having one. Thanks so much, Liz!
You’re welcome, Jennie!
😀
I love this post, Jennie. And I think it will be so much fun to see what the kids turn out when they try to do a Kandinsky painting of their own and tell what’s happening in their picture. I agree with you that if you tell them you were there, it will all take on special meaning for them. Just be prepared that they will think you were there in the 1800s. LOL
Thanks so much, Anneli! It will definitely be fun to see their art. I can’t wait to tell them I was there, even if they think I was ‘there’. 😀
LOL
How wonderful!
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing, Jennie!
You’re welcome, Miriam!
What a lovely story, Jennie. I’m so glad you found Kandinsky. Now you and he can visit whenever you wish. Thanks for sharing
Thank you, John. I think unexpected finds are the best. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
😊
Great point about young children feeling unemcumbered. I’ve thought a lot about that subject over the years having taught from 2nd-6th grades. The younger children were consistently unihibited. Of course, there are exceptions, but older children worry far more about being made fun and put down. It’s rather sad we can’t stay carefree forever.
Yes, that’s exactly how it is with children. The younger the child, the less they care or worry about what others think. That shows up when they paint, sing, dance, or try something new. Like you, I wish we could be that way forever. Thank you, Pete.
I must admit Jennie that I haven’t heard of Kandinsky before? I read up a bit on him. He had a interesting personal life.
Wayne, I had never heard of Kandinsky either until I visited the Eric Carle Museum and learned he was one of the ‘forbidden art’ painters who changed Eric Carle’s life. It’s quite a story. Children love the freedom of modern art, which makes for a great Art Show each year. The children’s picture book about Kandinsky is wonderful. I read about his adult life quite a while ago, and it was interesting.
That’s a beautiful painting. Looks like it was during the stage when he still had some representational elements.
I’ve seen one Kandinsky at the Auckland Art Gallery—and a mobile, from memory.
I’m sure you’re right. It’s well balanced with color and form, very pleasing to the eye. Lucky you to have seen one, too.
Love art and Kandinsky!!
I’m so glad!
Art comes from the soul – like poetry, prose, dance and music. We’re not whole without it.
Beautifully said, Opher. Hear, hear!
A new kandinsky is always a treat. Thank you.
It certainly is.
This is so heartwarming!! Love that you are so passionate about Kandinsky and would love to know how the kids reacted to seeing the painting! 👏🏼🦋💕
Thank you! In March I will introduce Kandinsky and other artists as we prepare for our Art Show. It will be wonderful! I’ll be sharing a blog post for sure.
Looking forward! 💕
Me, too! Thank you.
Wonderful, Jennie. I’m so glad you got to see this painting. So exciting.
Its awesome
Hi Robbie, it was truly wonderful and exciting. Thank you.
🥰🦋
Made a masterpiece
Yes!
Kandinsky is the start of something new!
Beautiful indeed.. Great talent
Thank you.
Hi Jennie, this is wonderful!
Thank you, Charles. I wrote a letter to the Hood Museum director, and he replied. He was beyond thrilled!
Art is something exemerly special
Art is something exemerly valuable
Art is something that brings warmth and joy to people’s lives
Yes, and well said!
Loved your post . Have you visited the Kandinsky museum in Nice, France? It is wonderful. 🎨💕
It would be a dream to fly across the Atlantic to Nice and see the museum. Thank you, Pamela.
What a beautiful mug. I am also sure Kandinsky and his abstract paintings is the best freeing the mind for furthermore creative impacts. Enjoy a nice weekend, Jennie! xx Michael
I think so, too. I’m glad you like my mug, Michael. Many thanks!
You are the most wonderful teacher. I haven’t dropped by your blog in an age–life kind of gets ahead of me most weeks–but I should do it more often. I always leave happier than I arrived.
Ellen, that is so nice. Thank you! 😊
A beautiful post, Jennie. It was a pleasure to be there with you when it happened! As usual, your ebullient reaction was a joy to witness. Sometimes the universe gifts us something unexpected. Can’t wait to hear how the children receive it.
Hi Elaine! It was quite a moment, and I’m so glad you were there. Yes, the universe sometimes gifts us with something unexpected. Stay tuned, as the museum emailed me planning a social media post. The children and families will be thrilled.
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Hi Jennie and Pete,
Words, music and art, rock my boat too…I bet your children, Jennie, must have been delighted to see the Kandinsky painting – if it inspires just one child to take up a brush seriously, it’s a job well done!
Many moons ago, I, my husband and three sons had a boat trip on the River Dart and, as a writer, I was fascinated to learn that Agatha Christie lived in a house nearby. On another occasion, we explored the poet Wordsworth’s house and were, indeed, treated to the lovely sight of ‘a host of golden daffodils’ in his garden in the Lake District. Sadly, Beatrix Potter’s house was closed. Mostly by coincidence, we came across the homes of a few more famous people. Always good memories to recall. Carry on with your invaluable work, Jennie. All the very best.
What a lovely story, Joy! Like you, they certainly do rock my boat. I remember unexpectedly finding Robert Frost’s cottage. It was much like finding the Kandinsky. Thank you for your kind words!